a new adventure with Doha College.
An Exciting New Learning Journey
At Doha College, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme is designed to inspire exploration, discovery, and skill development through purposeful play. This hands-on, engaging approach helps foster a love for learning and builds the essential foundations that prepare our youngest pupils for a smooth transition into Primary.
Our dedicated EYFS spaces are thoughtfully designed to spark imagination and curiosity. With spacious classrooms, shaded outdoor play areas, a welcoming library for storytime adventures, and interactive music rooms, every day brings new experiences and joyful learning opportunities.
At the heart of our Early Years philosophy is a commitment to putting children first.
By adapting to the unique needs and pace of each child, we provide a nurturing, child-centred environment where happy, confident learners flourish.
WELCOME FROM OUR Primary Assistant Head - EYFS
Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Doha College.
From the moment your child walks through our doors, our priority is that they feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn. We place exceptional pastoral care at the heart of everything we do, recognising that emotional wellbeing provides the foundation for future success and a lifelong love of learning.
Our EYFS provision follows the curriculum for England, delivered through a rich and purposeful play-based approach. This nurtures curiosity, creativity, and independence, while ensuring each child develops the essential skills they need to thrive. Alongside this, we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme and White Rose Mathematics to build strong foundations in early literacy and numeracy.
Our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor environments encourage exploration, physical development, and growing independence. At Doha College, every child’s voice is valued; from FS1 onwards, we actively foster confidence and early leadership by responding to children’s interests and empowering them to take ownership of their learning within the classroom.We understand that choosing the right school is a significant milestone for every family. Through our unique Flying Start programme and a strong emphasis on transition, our experienced and dedicated team ensures a smooth, nurturing, and joyful beginning for both you and your child. We warmly invite you to explore our website and discover the care, community, and exceptional learning experiences that define Early Years at Doha College.
With warm regards,
EVA TAGGART
Primary Assistant Head - EYFS
“The seeds for success are sown in the early stages of education.
Excitement for learning, high levels of motivation, and caring teachers with a vested interest in each child’s progress are essential ingredients for happiness in school and achievement at every level.”
Derek Watson
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Primary
Pastoral Care, Well-Being and Safeguarding
Pastoral care, well-being and safeguarding are central to life at Doha College. We believe that pupils achieve their very best when they feel safe, supported and valued within a strong and connected community.
Every pupil benefits from a carefully structured pastoral system that includes form tutors, Heads of Year, House leaders and trained safeguarding professionals. This framework ensures that each child is known as an individual and supported throughout their journey with us.
Well-being is woven through our curriculum and co-curricular provision. Through age-appropriate guidance, pastoral programmes and access to qualified counsellors, we nurture emotional development, resilience and positive mental health. Our approach reflects our commitment to holistic education and to creating outstanding futures for every pupil.
Safeguarding at Doha College follows UK best practice and international standards. All staff receive regular training, and clear, robust procedures ensure that pupils’ safety and welfare remain our highest priority. We work in close partnership with families to maintain a secure, respectful and caring environment.
As a leading British international school in Doha, Qatar, we are committed to providing a values-led education where pupils flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Flying Start Programme
If you’re a new parent at Doha College, you’ll be pleased to discover our ‘Flying Start’ programme, designed specifically for children entering Foundation Stage 1 and 2(FS1 & FS2).
This carefully structured initiative helps ensure a smooth and joyful transition into school life. It allows our youngest learners to build confidence, form early friendships, and become familiar with their learning environment — all at a gentle pace tailored to their needs.
The Flying Start programme lays the foundation for a happy and successful start to your child’s educational journey.
The EYFS Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum at Doha College is delivered over two years – Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) and Foundation Stage 2 (FS2).
Our learning environment is designed to be positive, stimulating, and supportive, creating a strong sense of emotional well-being and engagement. When children feel safe and confident, they are empowered to learn more effectively.
Through a play-based approach, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop new skills. This method promotes key qualities such as independence, creativity, enquiry, innovation, and problem-solving. Learning is a balance of child-initiated discovery and purposeful teacher-led activities.
At the heart of our EYFS philosophy is the nurturing of essential personal attributes – from respect and positive relationships to imaginative thinking and self-directed learning – all supported by our seven key areas of development.
| Communication and Language |
We nurture children’s communication and language skills through imaginative play, storytelling, and interactive games. These experiences naturally support the development of listening, attention, understanding, and speaking. We encourage children to engage meaningfully in conversations, listen attentively, and respond appropriately. As they grow in confidence, they learn to express their thoughts clearly, share experiences, and connect ideas to build their own narratives and explanations. |
| Personal, Social and Emotional Development |
We actively promote children’s physical wellbeing by teaching the importance of healthy habits, basic hygiene, and personal care. Children are supported to develop control, coordination, and spatial awareness through a wide range of physical activities. They learn to handle tools, equipment, and materials safely and effectively, both indoors and outdoors. |
| Physical Development |
We actively promote children’s physical wellbeing by teaching the importance of healthy habits, basic hygiene, and personal care. Children are supported to develop control, coordination, and spatial awareness through a wide range of physical activities. They learn to handle tools, equipment, and materials safely and effectively, both indoors and outdoors. |
| Literacy |
Early literacy development is nurtured through daily phonics instruction and rich opportunities for children to engage with reading and writing. In FS1, phonics is introduced through play-based learning, while in FS2, children follow the structured Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme. Literacy is woven into all aspects of learning — from role play to storytelling — enabling children to practise, apply, and master key skills in meaningful contexts. |
| Mathematics |
Young learners are introduced to mathematical concepts through engaging, purposeful play and daily opportunities to explore numbers, shapes, and problem-solving. Children learn to recognise numerals, count with confidence, and explore key concepts such as time, measurement, money, and shape. Through hands-on challenges, they practise estimating, finding totals, and using mathematical vocabulary in meaningful contexts. |
| Understanding the World |
We nurture children's natural curiosity by encouraging them to explore the world around them — from people and communities to places, environments, and technology. Children learn to observe, compare, and talk about similarities and differences, helping them make sense of their experiences and develop an appreciation for diversity and change. |
| Expressive Arts and Design |
Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through music, dance, art, and imaginative play. Singing songs, making music, and moving to rhythm help children experiment with and refine their ideas. By exploring a wide range of tools, materials, and techniques, pupils learn to design, construct, and create with purpose. They are empowered to make independent choices, developing confidence in selecting resources and solving creative challenges. |